Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues'
switch grass 'Dallas Blues'
A deciduous perennial grass, to 1.8m in height with flat, narrow, blue-green leaves in spring and summer turning yellow-brown in autumn. Diffuse panicles of small purple-pink spikelets are borne in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Pink Purple | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Pink Purple | Yellow Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Panicum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, with flat, narrowly lanceolate leaves, with large finely branched panicles of small spikelets in late summer or autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.